The University of Chicago is organising a two-day conference on the impact of anti-trafficking initiatives in India at its Centre in New Delhi from May 17-18, 2019.

Conference on the impact of anti-trafficking in India to be held in Delhi by the University of Chicago from May 17, 2019

According to a statement issued by the University of Chicago Centre in New Delhi, the conference is aiming at providing a platform for researchers, policy makers, heads of protection homes, human rights experts, activists and those who have experienced rescue and rehabilitation interventions to share with each other their perspectives on the present use of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) and Sec 370 and 370A and together outline a way forward.

Dr. John Schneider

Dr. John Schneider, Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago and sponsor of the event, said: “The University of Chicago is pleased to host the Disrupting Traffic? conference. The Centre has been an intellectual destination for collaboration with Indian universities, research institutes, and cultural organisations and a place to explore ideas across institutions and disciplines. The conference is in line with that tradition and will serve as a focal point for engaging relevant stakeholders of anti-trafficking debate in India to come up with solutions.”

Bridging the Divides

Recently, the Indian Parliament considered a new anti-trafficking bill that would expand the rescue mandate beyond the sale of sexual services to other situations as well. The primary objective of the Disrupting Traffic Conference is to bridge divides between various stakeholders in the present system of rescue and rehabilitation by discussing available research on impacts of the raid-rescue-rehabilitate model drawn from across India. Women who have undergone rescue and rehabilitation will share their first-hand experiences of the interventions and NGO and shelter heads who are tasked with implementing anti-trafficking laws will share the challenges they face regarding the same. The participants will also evaluate viable policy alternatives within the framework of existing legal code.

Devi, a member of the National Sex Workers Network said, “While the effort to rescue victims of trafficking through government intervention is clearly laudable. Research suggests that forced rescue and detention is detrimental to many sex workers’ well-being. Therefore, I am happy that we are given an opportunity through this conference to closely examine the current evidence and to reconsider solutions to the severe problems of human trafficking.”

The University of Chicago Centre in Delhi provides a base for research, teaching and dialogue among scholars from the University, across India and around the world. It builds on a rich history of intellectual collaboration between Chicago and India. The Centre is designed to serve scholars at all levels, and across all disciplines. It serves as a working space for Chicago faculty and students, a gathering place for alumni, and a nucleus for rekindling old relationships and forging of new ones. Programming at the centre is focused on three core areas: Science, Energy, Medicine, and Public Health; Business, Economics, and Policy; and Culture, Society, Law, and the Arts. Through academic and public programmes, and outreach and collaboration, scholars use the Centre to address scientific, political, social and cultural issues that are important to India and the world.

Vrinda Chadha, the highly talented Odissi exponent is performing at the Unbound Beats of India Festival 2018 at Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House, New Delhi on December 30 at 5.45 PM organised by Padmashree Guru Rajana Gauhar and her team.

You know it's a merry Christmas when you get to sweat and dance it out in the Delhi winters! A gentle reminder for the upcoming 'Unbound Beats of India Festival' 2018 organised by Padmashree Guru Ranjana Gauhar ji and her team at Utsav. Date : 30th December, SundayTime : 6:00PM (please be seated by 5:45, Entry free)Venue : Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House New Delhi. See you all there! Rehearsing here Guruji's soulful choreography on Meerabai and her divine love for the dark Lord which is heightened by the onset of monsoon and the excitement of dark cloudy skies, soft breeze, dancing peacocks and raindrops. Raptured and engulfed in Sri Krishna she imagines his arrival at every sound and every touch.

In the video, Vrinda Chadha is seen rehearsing Ranjana Gauhar’s soulful choreography on Meerabai and her divine love for the dark Lord which is heightened by the onset of monsoon and the excitement of dark cloudy skies, soft breeze, dancing peacocks and raindrops. Raptured and engulfed in Sri Krishna, Vrinda Chadha imagines his arrival at every sound and every touch. In the video, Vrinda Chadha is getting to sweat and dance it out in the Delhi winters!

Air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), causing an estimated 43% of all adult deaths from COPD

Air pollution and smoking are the biggest risk factors for COPD

Women are more susceptible to COPD than men with the number of new cases growing nearly three times faster in women than in men every year[1]

It has been yet another year when the air pollution levels in Delhi remain at a record high despite the revised timings for bursting fireworks, extension of the ban on the entry of trucks, restrictions on construction, polluting industries and crop burning in the adjoining states.

Recently, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was recorded in the “severe plus emergency” category. The overall air quality index or AQI was 10 times the safe limit. According to the government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, AQI above 500 falls in the “severe-plus emergency” category.

Studies indicate that such long-term exposure to pollution can reduce life expectancy by altering lung function and making people more susceptible to COPD. In a report published by WHO, it recognized that air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), causing an estimated 43 percent of all adult deaths from COPD[2].

Comprehending COPD

COPD, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a group of progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma which causes difficulty in breathing and severe exacerbation. The symptoms of COPD like chronic dry cough or cough with phlegm, shortness of breath or wheezing are often confused with asthma or other respiratory disorders. Hence, the disease is often misdiagnosed, contributing to further worsening of the quality of life. The disease is irreversible and can only be managed with effective treatment.

Studies reveal that, about 33.6 percent of COPD disability adjusted life years (DALYs) could be attributed to ambient air pollution, 25.8 percent to household air pollution and 21 percent to smoking[3].

Despite being the leading cause of mortality amongst all non-communicable diseases, COPD receives scant attention as a women’s health issue. It has been found that women are more likely to die of COPD than of breast and lung cancer combined.[4]

Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Director & HOD-BLK Centre for Chest & Respiratory Diseases, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, says, “Once again, the citizens of Delhi-NCR are battling the annual phenomenon of severe air pollution and smog. The current level of pollution is extremely dangerous for human health, and prolonged exposure is the key risk factor for developing several respiratory diseases, including COPD.

Though the progression of COPD is comparatively slow, it is an irreversible disease and accounts for high death rates and hospitalisations. Therefore, it is important for patients to not ignore symptoms like chronic dry cough, cough with phlegm, shortness of breath or wheezing. The symptoms of COPD should not be confused with asthma or other respiratory diseases as it delays treatment. It is most advisable to consult a pulmonologist if one experiences any of these symptoms frequently or for a prolonged duration. Advanced treatment options can help improve patient’s quality of life and improve further progression of the disease.”

COPD in Women

Women are more susceptible to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than men.[5] The number of new cases of COPD is growing nearly three times faster in women than in men every year[6].

Women living with COPD have more disease flare-ups and use more healthcare resources. There is also higher prevalence of other co-existing diseases such as anxiety and depression, in female COPD patients.

In India, 70 percent of the homes use biomass fuel for cooking and heating purposes in poorly ventilated kitchens and the amount of particulate matter pollution generated by the burning of biomass fuel is extremely high[7]. Biomass fuels are now considered a major cause for development of COPD[8].

Dr. Ashok Mahasur, Consultant Chest Physician, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai says, “A significant number of working women in tier 1 and 2 cities, who mostly have a hectic work schedule have started indulging in social smoking or are exposed to passive smoke at their workplaces. They often don’t realise that they are placing their health at risk which could result in chronic irreversible diseases like COPD. Previously COPD was found to be more common in men, however, due to comparably high levels of tobacco smoking among women especially in high income urban centers, the disease now affects men and women almost equally.”

Treatment for COPD

Preventing exacerbations is one of the primary goals of long-term care for COPD patients. These episodes have a detrimental effect on quality of life and disease progression[9], contributing to further lung function decline[10] and, in severe cases, hospitalization[11]and even death[12].

As per the FLAME study, published by the New England Journal of Medicine, LABA/LAMA dual bronchodilator significantly reduced the rate reduced the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations with a 17% risk reduction and prolonged the time to the first of these episodes with a 22% risk reduction, amongst COPD patients.

[1] ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775194/

[2] WHO Global Ambient Air Quality Database (update 2018)

[3] The burden of chronic respiratory diseases and their heterogeneity across the states of India: The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2016

For the delightful renaissance of art and culture amidst the chilling pre-winter vibes in the national capital, Samsravais coming up with a divine confluence of Odissi, Kuchipudi and Kathak on 24th November 2018. The event will be staged at Triveni Kala Sangam, Tansen Marg from 6:00 in the evening. The event will be graced by Padma Vibhushan Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj, Padma Bhushan Awardees Dr. Raja & Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy, exponent of Odissi Dance Guru Sharon Lowen and eminent Odissi dancer Guru Monalisa Ghosh.

Arunima Ghosh, Odissi exponent

Open for all, this dance saga will bring forth the performance of talented dancers Arunima Ghosh and Madhur Gupta (for Odissi), Yamini Reddy and Bhavana Reddy (for Kuchipudi) and Ragini Maharaj and Tribhuwan Maharaj (for Kathak).
India has always been a nation renowned and respected worldwide for its varied traditional art forms flowing together to make rivulets of rich culture. At times, they flowed separately in a parallel while at other instances, they unified as one unique combination. Thus, Samsrava aims at bringing some of these streams together on the same platform and let the art lovers enjoy the divine elegance of Odissi, Kuchipudi and Kathak altogether.

Madhur Gupta and Arunima Ghosh

While talking about Samsrava by Manasija, Arunima Ghosh says, “For ages, Indian subcontinent represented as the divine soil giving birth and rooting together the diversely rich margi (classical) arts of the nation. Through Samsrava, we aim to bring together the glory of 3 prominent dance forms i.e., Odissi, Kuchipudi and Kathak, on the same platform and letting the rasikas of onlookers get drenched in the purity of their unique Kala Sangam.”

In an interview with The Indian.News Editor, Jayashankar Menon, Dr Malhotra speaks in details about Hemochromatosis and its impact on the health in addition to the remedial measures and precautions to be taken to get into the trap of Hemochromatosis. Excerpts:

RPSM: Hemochromatosis happens when too much iron builds up in your body. Of course, the body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of blood that carries oxygen to all of your cells. But when there is too much iron, it can damage the liver and heart and lead to other diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis.

TIN: Is there any pragmatic treatment available? If ignored, what are the consequences?

RPSM: Hemochromatosis can be treated to prevent serious problems. But without treatment, hemochromatosis will continue storing iron in the body. When iron levels are dangerously high, organ and tissue damage can happen.

TIN: What are the most common type of Hemochromatosis?

RPSM: The most common type of Hemochromatosis runs in families. This is called hereditary or primary Hemochromatosis. But people sometimes get it from having a lot of blood transfusions, certain blood problems, liver disease, or alcoholism. This is called acquired or secondary Hemochromatosis.

TNI: Do Hemochromatosis affect both the genders?

RPSM: Men are more likely than women to have too much iron built up. Women get rid of extra iron through blood from their menstrual cycles and during pregnancy.

TIN: What are the general symptoms of Hemochromatosis?

RPSM: Symptoms often don’t appear until a person is age 40 or older. This is because extra iron builds up slowly throughout the person’s life. And symptoms appear after a certain amount of extra iron builds up. The early symptoms are somewhat vague or subtle. So this disease is sometimes mistaken for another condition. Early symptoms include tiredness, weakness, pain in the joints, weight loss and urinating more often.

TIN: How is Hemochromatosis diagnosed?

RPSM: Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history. If the doctor suspects Hemochromatosis, you will have blood tests to see if you have too much iron in your body. Most of the time Hemochromatosis is caused by a gene that runs in families. It is an autosomal recessive disorder that can be passed to a child from the parents. Hemochromatosis can be found early with a blood test. If you have this disease, you may want to have your children tested to see if they have it. Other family members may also want to be tested. Talking to a genetic counsellor will help you decide whether genetic testing is a good idea for you and your family.

TIN: How is Hemochromatosis treated?

RPSM: Treatment for Hemochromatosis includes Phlebotomy and Chelation therapy. While Phlebotomy is the most common treatment, it is like donating blood and is done on a regular schedule, whereas, Chelation Theraphy, also known as Chelating agents, is a medicine that helps the patient’s body to get rid of excess iron. This method of treatment is given to those patients who can’t have Phlebotomy. The treatment can safely and quickly remove excess iron from the blood, besides limiting the progression and possible complications of the disorder. What is more, the treatment might as well prevent organ damage such as in the liver or heart.

TIN: Is the treatment a short term affair?

RPSM: Most patients need treatment for the rest of their lives. Nevertheless, some patients might not need further treatment, if their iron levels return to normal and the Hemochromatosis is clearly caused by another disease or by a treatment for another disease such as blood transfusions.

TIN: How can we prevent Hemochromatosis?

RPSM: Having Hemochromatosis in your family doesn’t mean that you will automatically get it. If you find out that you have inherited a gene that causes Hemochromatosis that means you are more likely to get Hemochromatosis. Your doctor or a genetic counsellor can help you understand the results of a gene test. You might watch for symptoms so that if you do get Hemochromatosis, you can get treatment as early as possible. Early treatment can reverse most symptoms and prevent future problems.

TIN: How can patients take care of themselves at home?

RPSM: There are a slew of steps for the patients to make sure they are not getting too much iron in food or drinks. Limit, or if possible, the patients should give up consumption of alcohol. If the patients tend to consumer alcohol, they absorb more iron from food and raise the risk of liver cirrhosis (damage). Patients are advised not to take extra vitamin C supplements (more than 200 mg per day), as extra vitamin C can increase the amount of iron the patient absorbs from food. Furthermore, the patients can eat food that naturally contain vitamin C. Also, the patients should not take nutritional supplements or vitamins that contain iron. If the patients are getting Phlebotomy, they should consult their doctors, if the could change food they eat. If the patients need to lower the amount of iron in their diet, they can eat less red meat and iron fortified food such as cereals. About consuming bevrages like tea and coffee, tea, more than coffee can cause the body to absorb less iron from the food the patient eats. Consuming these beverages does not replace usual treatment. Care needs to be taken in not using iron cookware as food cooked in ironware can absorb some of the iron. Last, but not the least, do not eat uncooked seafood as it can contain bacteria that is harmful to patients who are already afflicted with Hemochromatosis.

Guru Shovana Narayan (Padmashri) and Dr Jyotsna Suri hosted the cultural evening of the 17th edition of the Lalit Arpan Festival of Asavari at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road New Delhi on September 27, 2018. Amidst the presence of eminent people and critics from the art and culture fraternity, the event witnessed the scintillating performances of the nationally and globally acclaimed artists on one platform. The event was graced by the Chief guests Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, Chairperson of IIC Asia Project and Nadir Patel, High Commissioner of Canada.

While speaking on the occasion, Shovana Narayan said, “It was wonderful to see such a beautiful audience appreciating the classical dance and music performances of dedicated artistes such as Mrinalini, Shalluji, Ragini, Kristina, Aayush and Lakshay and Mithilesh Jha on both days of the LalitArpan Festival. Our classical performing arts heritage is safe in their hands.”

The performances were a complete amalgamation of spiritual music and dance synced with beautiful expressions and gestural movements. The productions were so mesmerising that one just can’t take their eyes off. The artists who performed were Mrinalini (Kathak), Shallu Jindal (Kuchipudi), Ragini Madan (Kathak, London, UK), Kristina Dolonina (Vilnius, Lithuania) and duo Lakshay Mohan (Sitar duet) and Aayush Mohan (Sarod).

Lalit Arpan Festival is jointly conceptualised by Kathak maestro, Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, Dr Jyotsna Suri and one of the most renowned tabla players, late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan. It has been presenting a feast of performances by national and international artists. Organised by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers, this festival has till date, presented over 90 torch bearers of Indian classical performing arts.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi today laid the foundation for India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) at Dwarka in New Delhi, according to a PIB statement. While speaking on the occasion, Modi said, “The Government would reflect India’s economic progress, rich cultural heritage, and our consciousness towards environment protection. It is a part of the Government’s vision which gives importance to world class infrastructure, and ease of doing business.”

Photo Caption: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone of the India International Convention and Expo Centre, at Dwarka, New Delhi on September 20, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Commerce & Industry, C.R. Chaudhary and the Secretary, DIPP, Ramesh Abhishek are also seen. Photo: PIB.

The Prime Minister recounted how the Union Government has begun a series of unprecedented projects for the nation’s development. In this context, the Prime Minister mentioned the longest tunnel, the longest gas pipeline, the largest mobile manufacturing unit, and electricity to every household among many others. He said these are illustrations of the skill, scale and speed of New India.

Modi said, “Several countries across the world have developed elaborate capacities to hold conferences. This had not been thought of in India for a quite a while. Now this is changing. A country progresses through strong organizational and institutional capacities, which are the result of years of effort. For this, it is important to take decisions at the right time, and implement them without delay.”

In this context, the Prime Minister cited an instance of the recent decision on merger of Public Sector banks. “This had been thought about for nearly two and a half decades, but not implemented. Our Government will not shy away from taking tough decisions in national interest. All round progress has happened in the last four years only because national interest has been kept supreme. This process of taking tough decisions in the best interest of the people, will continue. He said that despite challenges, the economy is on a firm footing.” While elaborating on the “ease of doing business”, Modi added that the Union Government is now working towards taking this effort to the district level as well.